Travel is an amazing way to expand your horizon and learn more about the world around you. Unfortunately, this experience can often come at a great monetary cost to you. The good news is that there is a bevy of ways that you can see the country without going over your budget. Here are four ways to travel the country without breaking the bank.
Choose Budget Accommodations
The biggest money suck on any road trip is likely to be your hotel accommodations. If you can save money on this part of your trip, you will be well on your way to enjoying a great vacation without busting your budget. Rather than splurging on a fancy hotel or resort, be purposeful about thinking outside of the box for alternative accommodation ideas.
One of the best ways to save money is to choose a camping adventure instead of traditional hotel rooms. There is a myriad of New York campsites that provide outstanding accommodations at value-driven prices. These sites offer a variety of comforts and conveniences to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Choose a Place with a Kitchen and Eat Wisely
After the cost of your lodging, the food costs will take a big bite out of your overall budget. Choosing a place with a kitchen will save you loads of money on your food. Rather than eating out all the time, you can prepare meals for a much lower cost in your room.
Another way to save money on food costs is to avoid eating out in the touristy areas. Instead, ask around for recommendations from the locals about their favorite places to eat. This will help you to avoid the sticker shock that comes with eating on the road. Visiting a farmers market to pick up fresh food is another fun way to eat cheaply and get a taste of the local flavor of the destination at the same time.
You may also want to consider packing snacks and bottled water along with you for your day touring your destination. If you want to indulge in a nice meal out, you will be better off choosing to enjoy this meal at lunch rather than during dinner hours. Food trucks and street carts are also good places to find bargain-priced meals.
Look for Free or Discounted Activities
If you spend a little time researching your destination, you will probably find a wide range of activities available to you at no cost. For example, rather than spending hundreds of dollars at an amusement park, look for a free local festival to attend.
Many museums and other attractions also offer discounted days or hours. Or look into the various self-guided walking tours that many cities provide. The local chamber of commerce website is a good resource to use when looking for events and attractions that you can enjoy without spending a lot of money. Lastly, if you are traveling to a big city, be sure to check into their multi-attraction city tour discount cards. Purchasing this can save you a good amount of cash if you plan on visiting multiple attractions.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
The single best way to save money on travel is to be flexible with your dates. If you are set on a particular timeframe, you may find that you will be on the hook for much higher fees. This is especially true if you are traveling during the peak season such as during the summer or over the holidays or spring break.
Traveling during the week may also save you more money than setting out on a weekend. If you have the flexibility in your schedule, be sure to price out a few different date frames before making a final decision. You may find that even shifting your trip a few days can save you a significant amount of money. As a bonus, you will also see fewer crowds if you travel during the off-peak weeks.
Following these four tips will allow you to explore the country within the confines of your personal budget. With the right plan and execution, you can travel the nation without feeling stressed about money
